Using state-of-the-art measurement technology—including gas detectors, mobile testing equipment, and much more—tightness measurements can be performed on-site or in the leak testing laboratory.

With a wide range of testing technologies, leak detection and leak tests can be performed both on-site and under laboratory conditions. Various test gases or refrigerants (HFCs, HFC blends, HFOs, and natural refrigerants such as CO2 and NH3) may be present in the system.

Range of Services for Leak Detection and Leak Testing

Thanks to many years of experience gained through research projects, industrial testing tasks, and collaboration with the DGZfP’s Technical Committee on Leak Testing, ILK Dresden has developed a broad range of services and expertise in the field of leak detection and leak testing.
Leak detection and leak testing can be performed on a variety of systems as well as on new and damaged components. Using mobile testing equipment, measurements can be taken on-site; state-of-the-art measurement technology, including mass spectrometers, gas detectors, pressure and temperature measuring devices, and calibration standards, are utilized under leak testing laboratory conditions. Various test gases as well as refrigerants—including HFCs, HFC mixtures, HFOs, and natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, NH₃, and CO₂ can be detected.

A wide variety of leak detection methods are used:

• Vacuum pressure rise test
• Pressure drop test
• Ultrasonic testing
• Bubble detection: immersion or application of liquid (Methods C1, C2 according to DIN EN 1779)
• Fine leak detection using selective gas detectors (Method B4 according to DIN EN 1779)
• Leak tests using a vacuum bell or flexible hood (Method B3 according to DIN EN 1779)
• Vacuum leak test with a helium gas detector (Methods A3, B2.1 according to DIN EN 1779)
• Helium leak tests on components up to a maximum overpressure of 180 bar

In addition, we assist tradespeople and industrial companies with regular leak tests of refrigeration systems, including the resolution of problem cases.

Our Special Offer for Refrigeration Technology

• Development and construction of custom leak test benches
• Development and construction of custom strength test benches and systems for test gas recovery
• Leak detection/leak testing for applications involving HFCs, HFC blends, HFOs, and natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, NH₃, and CO₂
• Leak detection/leak testing using formier gas
• Leak testing using mass spectrometer measurement technology for helium and heavier masses
• Lectures and training courses at ILK or on-site at the customer’s location in cooperation with the Federal Technical College for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology in Maintal and Niedersachswerfen
• Support for trade and industry in routine leak testing of refrigeration systems, including handling of problem cases
• Performance testing of mobile leak detectors and room monitoring devices (DIN EN 14624)
• Supply of custom test leaks according to customer specifications
• Qualification of the tightness of components and connections (according to DIN EN 16084 or DIN EN ISO 14903)

Requirements at ILK

• State-of-the-art measurement technology, including gas detectors, pressure and temperature measuring instruments, and calibration standards
• Mobile testing equipment for on-site measurements
• Leak testing laboratory
• Close collaboration with the DGZfP’s Technical Committee on Leak Testing
• Extensive experience gained from research projects and industrial testing tasks